Abbey Hey 2 Ramsbottom United 1

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED crashed to an opening day defeat for the fourth year in succession at the hands of a more committed Abbey Hey side.

For the first 30 minutes the Rams had the better of things, creating three first class chances, all of which went begging. The ball was crossed and David Yorke-Robinson at full stretch went close, but not close enough.

Abbey Hey adopted some strong arm tactics that unsettled Ramsbottom and led to a stream of free-kicks that disrupted the game. One challenge on Rams' goalkeeper Jon Parrott left him needing a lengthy spell of treatment.

The hosts' tactics worked. They came into the game more as the Rams' players visibly wilted.

On 38 minutes Parrott made a great save to stop a Lee Pickford header. Then, a corner on the right saw Scott McLean head home in the 43rd minute.

Hey went into the second period boosted by that opener and grew in confidence with every pass as Ramsbottom continued to struggle to put their game together.

In the 55th minute Hey went two up when they counter-attacked and scored through Colin Heywood, who despatched a fine, low shot past Parrott.

The Rams sent on Chris Brookes and Mark Heyes to replace the Gardiner brothers, Dave and Gareth, in the 69th minute. Paul Cameron also replaced Andy Grimshaw after 75 minutes as they chased the game.

Four minutes from time they were thrown a lifeline when Heyes pounced on a goalkeeping error to put the ball into the net from six yards out.

Six minutes of stoppage time was added on, but Ramsbottom couldn't take advantage of that and never seriously tested the Hey keeper, despite a considerable amount of pressure.

Manager Ken Bridge is expected to ring the changes when Ramsbottom entertain Atherton Collieries in another North West Counties Division One clash at the Riverside tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).